Childminder in North Somerset

Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk This document may be reproduced in whole or in part for non-commercial educational purposes, provided that the information quoted is reproduced without adaptation and the source and date of publication are stated. Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY363222 Inspection date 01/10/2008 Inspector Timothy Butcher

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Type of setting Childminder This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Introduction

This inspection was carried out by Ofsted under Sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of the registered early years provision. ‘Early years provision’ refers to provision regulated by Ofsted for children from birth to 31 August following their fifth birthday (the early years age group). The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children’s learning, development and welfare, known as the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Introduction

The report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration whichever is the later, which require Ofsted or the provider to take action in Annex C.

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Introduction

The provider must provide a copy of this report to all parents with children at the setting where reasonably practicable. The provider must provide a copy of the report to any other person who asks for one, but may charge a fee for this service (The Childcare (Inspection) Regulations 2008 regulations 9 and 10).

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Introduction

The setting also makes provision for children older than the early years age group which is registered on the voluntary and/or compulsory part(s) of the Childcare Register. This report does not include an evaluation of that provision, but a comment about compliance with the requirements of the Childcare Register is included in Annex B. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Description of the childminding

The childminder was first registered in 2001 and returned to childminding under this registration in 2007. She lives with her husband and four children, aged two, nine, 11 and 14, on Locking Camp, near Weston-super-Mare in North Somerset. Minded children have access to the ground floor of the premises and the master bedroom and first floor toilet. There is a fully enclosed rear garden. The premises are close to local amenities, toddler group and tourist locations. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of eight children under eight years. There are currently two children attending on a part-time basis who are within the early years age range. This provision is also registered by Ofsted on the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register and one child is currently minded who is over five and under eight years. The registration does not include overnight care. The childminder receives support from the local authority.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children make good progress in their learning. Children enjoy their time with the childminder, who places a strong emphasis on the provision of good quality learning opportunities that meet the needs of children. Children enjoy warm interactions with the childminder, who promotes a family environment where her own and minded children enjoy the activities together. Documentation that systematically tracks children's progress through the Early Years Foundation Stage is under-developed.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children's welfare is strongly promoted because the childminder has good policies and procedures in place that safeguard children's welfare. She has carried out a thorough risk assessment of the premises and has minimised potential risks to children. There are no breaches of specific requirements.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Although there is a good exchange of information that promotes the continuity of care for children, the progress that children make is only partially shared with parents and carers. The setting's policies and procedures support the provision of an inclusive service.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The provider has yet to make good use of self-evaluation to identify areas for improvement but has begun to take steps to develop her documentation and her practice.

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further?

To further improve the early years provision the registered person should:

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further?

 develop further understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage and develop further a system to track children's developmental progress more closely when planning for their next steps in development.  develop processes for monitoring and self evaluation. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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provision

Written policies and procedures are in place that meet the general welfare requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage and these effectively contribute to the safe and smooth running of the provision. A comprehensive written risk assessment is in place and potential risks to children are managed well, for example, stair gates restrict children's movement and prevent children from entering areas such as the kitchen unsupervised. Children enjoy a safe and secure environment in which to play. A written child protection policy is in place and arrangements for safeguarding children are robust.

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provision

The childminder wishes to provide the best care for children but has yet to make effective use of systems that evaluate her practice. She has begun to develop her use of the Early Years Foundation Stage and has canvassed the views of parents through a questionnaire. She has also sought guidance from a local authority worker and has identified a number of training courses to support the further development of her practice.

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provision

The childminder has a strong partnership with parents. The care arrangements are discussed and agreed and parents are asked to share what they know about their child. A daily diary provides useful information about such things as food intake and nappy changes for younger children. This contributes to the good care provided. The childminder has a good knowledge of each child's background. She treats each child with respect and has a sound understanding of the uniqueness of each child. The provider has begun to liaise with other providers delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage, such as the local pre-school group.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder has a good understanding of the individual needs of children and of child development. The childminder has yet to establish a comprehensive system for recording the good progress that children make. As a result, although her planning covers each area of learning, it is incomplete and does not always maximise children's learning. The childminder promotes children's good progress through the provision of a range of activities that capture children's imaginations and fire their interests. For example, whilst children engage in purposeful activities such as growing vegetables in the childminder's garden, they learn new life-skills as they watch things grow and learn about the natural world. Later they pick and prepare the produce for a meal and learn about healthy eating. The childminder is well organised and prepares such things as cut and stick materials in readiness for children should they choose to follow the activity. She also follows their interests,

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

for example, a recent simple creative activity led to children spontaneously wanting to write letters home. Materials were provided, a visit to the local post office followed and children posted their letters for themselves. The childminder is confident in helping children learn appropriately both indoors and outside. As a result they have positive attitudes to learning and are keen to try new experiences. Babies have their individual needs met well. They are broadly content and secure. The childminder provides plenty of face to face interaction to stimulate children to This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 respond and ensures that they have plenty of play alongside other children so that they can be involved with what is going on. She promotes their physical development with many opportunities for them to stretch, reach and wriggle.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's welfare is strongly promoted because the childminder has good policies and procedures in place that safeguard their welfare. Sensible steps are taken to protect children from the spread of infection, such as the use of gloves when nappies are changed, and children are encouraged to develop suitable self-care skills in dressing themselves and hand washing. Children benefit from a homely environment that is well equipped and flexibly organised so that they have good access to resources both inside and out of doors. They learn how to keep themselves safe and manage risk, for example, through discussion about climbing safely.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Good relationships with parents enable the sharing of information and parents are positive about the care provided. The childminder knows children well. Some information about their starting points is gathered but focuses on the general care arrangements with less emphasis on developmental starting points. Children's developmental progress is shared with parents through the diary and through observation trees but the information is not systematically gained and shared. A method to record and track children's progress more thoroughly through a learning profile has begun to be used. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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Annex A: record of inspection judgements

Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough

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of children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

How well does the provision promote inclusive practice? Satisfactory The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement. Satisfactory

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Foundation Stage led and managed?

How effective is the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement? Satisfactory

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Foundation Stage led and managed?

How well does the setting work in partnership with parents and others? Good

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? Good How well are children helped to be healthy? Good How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? Good How well are children helped to make a positive contribution? Good

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped develop skills that will contribute to their future economic well-being? Good

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

procedures set out in the guidance available from Ofsted’s website: www.ofsted.gov.uk This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Met This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex C: complaint/s made to Ofsted

This section of the report includes details of any complaint/s made to Ofsted when:  we took action for the provider to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register; or  we asked the provider to take action in order to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register; or  the provider had already taken any necessary action to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register.

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Annex C: complaint/s made to Ofsted

We will not report on any complaint where the provider met the requirements of the Early Years Register or did not require any action by Ofsted or the registered provider.

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Detail of the complaint/s

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration.

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Detail of the complaint/s

The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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